Humanoid robots.
Humanoids are robotic platforms designed around a human-like body plan, often to operate in environments built for people.
Why a human-like form?
Doors, stairs, shelves, tools and workspaces are generally designed for human bodies. A humanoid form can therefore be useful where compatibility with existing environments matters.
Mobility
Bipedal locomotion can provide access to human-oriented spaces, while introducing substantial balance and control challenges.
Manipulation
Two arms and human-scale reach can support interaction with tools and objects designed for people.
Embodied intelligence
The research challenge is not only building the body, but coordinating perception, reasoning, planning and control reliably in changing environments.
Beyond the humanoid label
Humanoid platforms differ substantially in hardware, autonomy, sensing, software and intended applications. The shape alone does not establish capability.